Parish Groups

Children's Liturgy

Through a separate Liturgy of the Word for children, we aim to introduce children of infant school age to important aspects of God's message. We try to do this by allowing them to celebrate God's word at their own pace, giving them the opportunity to offer their thoughts and reflections, following the pattern of normal congregational liturgy. We hope that they gain an experience of being part of a community, the parish, and the feeling that their thoughts and ideas are valued by that community. By using symbols and movements of the liturgy we endeavour to help them discover how the Word of God has meaning in their daily lives. We hope that by offering a Children's Liturgy of the Word, we can help support families with young children in the parish.

We would like to extend the invitation to all children of priamry school age to come and join us for Children's Liturgy. If you have any queries please contact one of us and we would be happy to discuss them with you.
Contact Persons:

What happens during the Children's Liturgy?

The children gather in the Church and begin the Mass with everyone else. After the Sign of the Cross and the Greeting, the priest hands the Children's Lectionary to one of the leaders and the children process to the Seed Room Hall while a hymn is sung. The Liturgy in the Hall usually includes the following:

Time for reflection/penitential rite, using focal point display;

Gloria (not during Advent or Lent ) ;

Reading ;

Gospel Acclamation and Gospel reading ;

Discussion and focussed activity ;

Prayer.

The children then join the rest of the people in Church by leading the Offertory procession, often with some visual display from their activity but always with a brief explanation from one of the leaders to link the childrens' celebration with the Sunday Mass. The children gather on the sanctuary for the Eucharistic Prayer which is one of those approved for Masses with children.

The Society of Vincent da Paul (SVP)

he Saint Vincent de Paul Society has two conferences in the parish that meet regularly. New members are always welcome. They give aid to the local needy. Contact via St Joseph’s Rectory.

Youth Group

Our youth group meet regularly on Sunday evenings between 6 and 7.30pm. Interested young people of High School age are welcome. The group is open to non-Catholics . Contact person: Maria Parker. Find interesting links to Catholic Youth Sites on the Links Page

CAFOD

CAFOD (The Catholic Fund for Overseas Development) is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales. In more than 40 countries across the world, we bring hope, compassion and solidarity to poor communities, standing side by side with them to end poverty and injustice. The Parish CAFOD Group raises funds for this agency. Please contact Brenda Jones, Bernadette de Arostegui or
John and Eileen Convey for further information.

Advent Action: Christmas Gift Tree

Every year we ask residents in local homes to suggest a modest Christmas Present they would like to receive. The parishioners and others buy the items wanted and we pass them on to the homes. This is a small way of showing solidarity with those who are often forgotten. Our School also takes part and the children gather mostly small items of toiletries, clothing or food for the homeless.

Choirs

Singers are welcome to expand the choirs which sings at Sunday Masses and on the great feasts. Our organists are Jean Judge, Ruth Parker and Paul Varney. They also play for other services such as weddings, funerals and other occasions

Church Cleaners

Our Lady of Lourdes Church is cleaned on Thursday mornings.
St Joseph on Friday mornings.
Our merry band of cleaners is always pleased to see new faces.

Churches Together

For more information on this ecumenical group please contact David Barton or Jean Judge.

Events

The Parish has hosted concerts with the Southport Orchestra, talks on relevant issues (Islam and Christianity), has members interested in pro-life issues and evangelisation. Relevant events in the parish, Pastoral Area of Southport and Formby (i.e. our deanery) and in the diocese or locally will be advertised here.